Designer Jean Interviews – Celebrities in Designer Jeans from Denim Bloghttp://www.denimblog.com
Wed, 10 Aug 2016 20:16:12 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.5.4DENIM INTERVIEW: Murat Ozturk of Citizens of Humanityhttp://www.denimblog.com/2016/05/denim-interview-murat-ozturk-citizens-humanity/
http://www.denimblog.com/2016/05/denim-interview-murat-ozturk-citizens-humanity/#commentsThu, 12 May 2016 12:00:47 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=211500We got in touch with the man behind the alluring Premium Vintage line by Citizens of Humanity, Murat Ozturk. Starting at Turkish label, Mr. Bright, he later was hand selected to work at Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s before heading to Citizens with the plan to only stay for one month. After working with the brand, […]

We got in touch with the man behind the alluring Premium Vintage line by Citizens of Humanity, Murat Ozturk. Starting at Turkish label, Mr. Bright, he later was hand selected to work at Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s before heading to Citizens with the plan to only stay for one month. After working with the brand, he loved the road at where they are headed and decided to stick with the Citizens and became the man that is responsible for creating the styles that we have all grown to love today.

You can read how he got his start in denim to how the new technology works and how they keep every pair unique below.

DB: How did you get into denim?

MO: I decided to get into denim during my secondary school days. Back when I was living in Turkey, young people were just starting to wear jeans, it was new. A big trend back then was jeans with a white front and back that looked as though paint spilled on them, we called them “yogurt” jeans. When I got my hands on my first pair of jeans, I felt that I could improve the look of the distressing by hand so I decided to wear the jeans down with a stone. As I played with this stone grinding technique, I noticed it gave the denim a genuine, worn-in look. I started to play around with it every day, grinding with stones or other materials. As I mastered this technique, I decided to turn this newfound hobby into a business. After I graduated from high school and during the summers while in college, I started working with a denim company based in Istanbul called Mr. Bright. Mr. Bright was where I learned about all of the possible processes that can be done with denim. This was how I got my start in the denim industry.

DB: What inspires you?

MO: Nature is my greatest inspiration. I love keeping my work simple, and the natural beauty of the world continuously keeps me inspired. Secondly, the beautiful, physical shape of women always inspire me. When I have a design in my mind, I always first imagine it on a woman and think about how it will fit her and her natural figure. Once I feel that it fits, that’s a big drive to continue with the work. I have to believe in my work and I’ve noticed that when I believe in it, everyone else does as well.

DB: What is your regimen to get into the creative process?

MO: My best work is always done when I am alone with no distractions. I always need music in order to keep inspired throughout the creative process – pop and rap music to be specific. Pop music gets my creative process started and makes me come up with ideas. Once I have my idea assembled, I turn on rap music as it triggers something in me to get the work done. Once I get started on my work, I rarely stop for a bite or tea, as I typically go into another space spiritually to attain my goal. If this atmosphere doesn’t break, I typically finish the project by the end of that day.

DB: How does the laser technology work?

MO: Initially, I draw the design I want to see on the jeans by Photoshop. This may take up to a full day or sometimes days depending on how detailed the design. Once I draw the pattern on Photoshop in full detail, I load this to the laser machine’s computer. From there, I adjust the size of design according to the jeans and apply the print. Once size is decided, I then adjust the quality and intensity parameters of the laser machines which is done according to the fabric and washing style for each style. Once the parameters are set, the machine will reflect the pattern as a light beam on its bench so you can place the jeans accordingly. Placement is significant to make sure the design is printed exactly where you want it to be. Then, you start the laser printing. After the laser printing, you set up the process for laundry, deciding what type of water to wash with and what kind of machine and for how long. After the laundry process, you can see the end result. I oftentimes will make adjustments as need be.

DB: Citizens definitely makes some of the most natural looking distressed jeans. How is it possible to get the hand/natural distressed look with such an advanced technique?

MO: Before anything, we have to make a very detailed drawing of the pattern for the jeans we will produce at Citizens of Humanity. Following the drawings, we perform the laser printing. Sometimes this process takes days, as we want to give the jeans a natural, worn-in look. Following the laser printing, we distress the jeans manually by what we call “hand stones” grinding. Imagine you fell down while walking on the street and your jeans ripped. That’s what we achieve. We give the general design by the laser printing, then make special washes to better give that natural look. It is a very demanding process, but we get our effort’s worth.

DB: After the design process, how long does it usually take to create the pair that was envisioned?

MO: When I have the design in my mind, it takes me around 1-2 days to design on Photoshop. By the time that is finished, I order the fit for sewing and receive the pair from workshop within one day. Then, it takes another half a day or so to finish the laser print. So, in total in around four days to get the printed pair. Then, I prepare the washing process and specify what kind of look I want to see. So we send it to laundry, who processes it step by step as per my order. The pair goes through one day of a dry process, another day of wash process, and then touch ups and 3D processes on the last day. We then fit the style on our model, so I can check to see what needs to be added or improved.

It takes a few hours for us to consider all the details. We repeat this entire cycle from the beginning until we can get the perfect design and fit. The entire process can take anywhere between 10-15 days from the design to achieving the perfection of what we want. We repeat the processes until we are completely satisfied with the end result because we want to offer our customers only the best product. Once the sample is ready, then the second phase, the general production phase starts. Our team selects some pieces of the collection that are then produced and delivered to our stores all over the world. The entire process from our design to launching at the market for our customers takes around 3-4 months.

DB: Even with the precision that lasers are known for, how is it possible to still get each pair feeling unique and original from the next?

MO: There are two key techniques that I use to make each item different from the next. First, I create an incredibly detailed design in Photoshop that once the laser printing is finalized, it shouldn’t look like a machine work. The drawing is prepared in a way that the machine production looks as if it was manual. The drawings should have a natural look that pushes the limits of machine. Secondly, following the laser printing, we have a great dry processing team. They perform hand touchups on the laser prints on each and every pair to complement the natural look of the pair. That is what gives the uniqueness and originality of the pair. We call this the “magic touch.”

DB: Which is your personal favorite that you worked on?

MO: The Citizens of Humanity Parker Relaxed Cuffed Crop in Anberlin.

DB: Lastly, how many jeans do you own?

MO: Because I am always working on new product and designs, I will usually wear my jeans for about a week. From there, I usually give the jeans to my friends or loved ones if they like the design. I always like to keep 8-10 pairs to wear, but that is always changing.

]]>http://www.denimblog.com/2016/05/denim-interview-murat-ozturk-citizens-humanity/feed/3Denim Interview: MAVI Feather Collectionhttp://www.denimblog.com/2016/03/denim-interview-mavi-light-feather-collection/
http://www.denimblog.com/2016/03/denim-interview-mavi-light-feather-collection/#commentsThu, 31 Mar 2016 21:49:16 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=209698Mavi have launched their latest denim and it’s something exciting! FEATHER has officially landed and it’s something we thought you would love to know about, so much so that I asked Ardie Ulukaya, SVP of Sales at Mavi a few questions in an interview to find out more about the collection. As a brief outline, […]

Mavi have launched their latest denim and it’s something exciting! FEATHER has officially landed and it’s something we thought you would love to know about, so much so that I asked Ardie Ulukaya, SVP of Sales at Mavi a few questions in an interview to find out more about the collection.

As a brief outline, they joined forces with Turkey’s leading-edge denim fabric producer Orta, making sure the Mavi Feather collection uses exclusive fabric created by the denim manufacturer to create the ultimate light and luxurious pants for Spring.

You can see the FEATHER jeans on models Daisy Clementine, sister to Lucky Blue Smith, and Swedish beauty Frida Gustavsson here for the Spring 2016 campaign. Check out the exclusive interview below and shop the jeans online at the Mavi website here.

DB: For those of our readers who aren’t hugely familiar with MAVI, do you want to give a little background on your brand?

Mavi was born in 1991 and has an incredibly rich denim heritage. What drives us is our continuous quest to create the ‘perfect fit’ and ‘perfect feel’ in a pair of jeans. Our philosophy is to build the brand around perfect fitting jeans that convey a Mediterranean feeling in terms of fashion and detail. Mavi has always been a brand that emphasizes originality and innovative applications, enabling us to become a pioneer in the market and produce high quality, great fitting and fashion-forward premium denim at a great price point.

DB: Congrats on your 25th anniversary collection! What inspired you to create the Feather range?

Mavi launched Feather as the kick off to the 25th anniversary celebrations, collaborating with our long-term partner and leading-edge denim fabric producer, Orta. Feather was born out of the cultural desire for a product that offers both ‘lightness’ and ‘luxury,’ and delivers ease of movement with high recovery in a pair of jeans. Feather is the symbol of this denim comfort trend.

DB: Could you tell us more about it?

The premium Feather collection uses the latest innovations in denim technology and revolutionary fabrics that are ultra lightweight and ultra soft, to give the highest level of comfort and range of motion. Feather combines a casual lifestyle with a luxury, feminine feel using fabric that is extremely soft, superfine and superlight.

DB: If the denim itself is really light and soft, does it retain its shape well?

Despite its softness and lightness, Feather also integrates power stretch technology with excellent recovery standards. The final outcome is a breakthrough that combines softness and a feminine feel with a clean look and compact construction. The novelty fabric mix of cotton, tencel, lyocell and viscose ensures your jeans look the same at the end of the day as when you put them on in the morning.

DB: Can you tell us what washes the new Feather collection come in?

The collection introduces three exclusive hues for Mavi that represent the brand’s Mediterranean identity, and range from basic to one-of-a-kind vintage washes:

• Special Neptune: A shade of deep green cast with a true blue indigo bottom.

• Future Blue: A mix of green cast and indigo, the achievement of this shade uses less water and chemicals.

DB: Will these mostly be for Summer due to their light, stretchy fabrication or will they be a Winter jean too?

These are definitely transitional and for winter we will offer the Feather fabrication in darker clean washes.

DB: Who would be the perfect person for these jeans?

Feather combines versatile, effortless denim pieces in a variety of feminine silhouettes appropriate for any occasion. These are the jeans for women who place value on trying new things and meaningful experiences. For the girl who loves the look of true denim but desires added comfort and lightness with a premium, luxury feel.

DB: This year is Mavi’s 25th anniversary – how does it feel to have endured this long and is there anything else in the pipeline to mark the occasion?

We are very humbled to have achieved such success these past 25 years and look forward to building upon this foundation while evolving in both denim design and innovation. We believe innovation in denim really comes from the fabric and we work exclusively with the best partners in the business, while staying ahead of the trends and forecasts.

We have numerous, exciting celebrations in the pipeline to mark our 25th anniversary, kicking off with the announcement of top model Lucky Blue Smith as the face of our Spring/Summer #denimgeneration campaign. Lucky captures the essence of Mavi’s fresh, youthful and exuberant spirit and represents our commitment to design for the next generation. We also have a very special capsule collaboration launching for the FW’16 season, which we can’t wait to introduce!

]]>http://www.denimblog.com/2016/03/denim-interview-mavi-light-feather-collection/feed/1DENIM INTERVIEW: Candiani Denimhttp://www.denimblog.com/2016/03/denim-interview-candiani-denim/
Fri, 18 Mar 2016 16:45:55 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=208904Photo of GianLuigi and Alberto Candiani Candiani is one of the biggest denim production houses supplying denim to many of the top brands that we love. To be closer to their clients, they have opened their first location outside of Italy in no other than Los Angeles. Located in Downtown, the new location will provide […]

Candiani is one of the biggest denim production houses supplying denim to many of the top brands that we love. To be closer to their clients, they have opened their first location outside of Italy in no other than Los Angeles. Located in Downtown, the new location will provide a laundry house where the brands will collaborate with Candiani and test out new techniques to bring the washes that they have on paper to life.

To coincide with the opening, Candiani held a launch event inside the factory. Guests were given the opportunity to check out their laser printing machine in action. As a gift, they were given Candiani aprons to have personalized by the machine with a wording of their choice. This will also be the first event as the new location will act as a denim industry hub, hosting talks and events throughout the year.

We got in touch with Candiani’s Global Manager, Alberton Candiani, on how the collaborations start with the brands and how they have kept to the green ethos that they believed in in Italy here in Los Angeles and the atmosphere from the event below.

DenimBlog: What has made Candiani the preferred choice by brands when it comes to denim?

The unique combination of our fabric’s aesthetics and performance. We were the pioneers of high-quality stretch denim and have become well-known for it.

The look of Canadiani’s typical ring character and our indigo shades have always been very much appreciated by our customers.

I also believe that our quality standards and our service have been fundamental to Candiani’s success through the years.

DB: How does the process start when working with brands?

Every season we show a collection of our new Denim fabrics to the brands. The designers pick the fabrics they like and take samples away to process and experiment with. If all goes well, we will receive an order from them in about six months’ time.

What is the top mix of choice (100% cotton or cotton stretch mix) by brands when choosing the textiles? And do you create custom orders for them?

At Candiani we produce and sell close to 90% stretch Denim. This is also what the customers expect from us: innovative stretch qualities, from comfort to super-elastic.

The custom approach to fabric engineering is really important. It’s one of the very few and effective ways to offer our customers differentiation and make them really happy.

The only issue is minimums – When we have to create a brand new construction with a unique color we need to process over 10,000 yds.

DB: At the new location, Candiani won’t just be offering textiles but also have a wash factory for brands to experiment with different techniques. Are you able to talk about these techniques or are they kept secret?

This is another way for us to differentiate our product to our customers.

If we cannot make exclusive fabrics all the time or for every single customer, at the Design Center we will be able to work on exclusive interpretations and custom-made looks. The Design Center is where fabric meets wash – it’s “where the magic happens” and the designer becomes the “wizard”. Together with the designers we can guarantee exclusivity and diversification.

We know our product better than anybody else and our Design Center is there to share with the customers the best and most environmentally friendly way to use our fabrics.

Each individual workshop will be kept secret between Candiani and the particular customer. We will provide them with all the details and information about the developments we made together so that they can go back to their own laundry and replicate the same process and achieve the same results.

DB: When creating a wash, how does the inspiration come about?

This is probably the most fun part. It is pretty much a creative process based on what you want to achieve, but here is where you have to know about the fabric you are working with. You have to know how the fabric is going to respond to your treatments, to ensure you are going to achieve the desired effect.

DB: How long does it take to develop a wash? And how many techniques are often used on just a single one?

It can take anything from a couple of hours for a simple wash, to several days for a sophisticated one.

One “wash” can contain up to 20 different processes to create the end result. The manual processes are still the most important: a good technician needs to know how to work with their hands before they can work with chemicals and machines.

DB: The magic about denim is how it ages whether it be raw or pre-aged taken further. Do you have this in mind during the creating process?

Absolutely. I personally don’t like to fake or speed up the aging of Denim artificially. We like to be influenced by the vintage world of course, but also different kind of textiles, leather, technical fabrics or artistic design elements coming from other industries.

DB: Also, is fit a factor and how it changes depending on textiles chosen and the treatments involved to creating the final product?

Fit is definitely a factor. Stretch Denim has completely changed the fit, and the fit has changed Denim too. Treatments can distress the fabric and create shaping issues, but the way we engineer our fabrics at Candiani is to avoid this kind of issue.

DB: What is the feeling of when the end product finally goes from concept to a tangible/real piece?

It feels good when the piece really reflects everything that has gone into the making of the product. It’s always great seeing someone wearing our product and looking and feeling good in it.

DB: Candiani is a sustainable company. In what ways are you able to keep the company green without sacrificing the end product?

It’s all about the mentality we have. We are located in Italy, under the EU environmental regulations, which are by far the strictest in the World. Not only that, but we are literally located in a nature reserve called “Parco del Ticino” where these rules get even stricter. And that’s totally fine with us! We work really hard to find ways of creating the same end results for our products but in a way that is as kind to the environment as possible. Once you start working in this way it is easy to keep going.

The facility is so clean, our staff are very proud of where they work. Also, all the houses of my family, grandma’s and my parents’ are located inside the factory compound.

The bedroom where I grew up is facing the finishing division. That’s why we feel the company, the facility is just like home and we want to keep it like home: clean.

DB:Lastly, what is your ideal pair of jeans? In terms of textile, cut, and wash?

I do not have one. If you look at my favorite pairs of jeans you will find several shapes, textiles and details. From distressed to clean to raw.

In general, I love to feel the materials more than anything, and I need to feel comfortable in what I am wearing.

]]>Denim INTERVIEW: Julien Jarmoune of Black Orchidhttp://www.denimblog.com/2015/07/denim-interview-julien-jarmoune-black-orchid/
Mon, 06 Jul 2015 23:42:09 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=195229Black Orchid is one of the leading brands in the market with fans from megastars like Kate Moss and Beyonce to fashion bloggers Chiara Ferragni. With their innovative and fashion forward styles and great fits there is no surprise to see them at the top. We got in touch with designer Julien Jarmoune to see […]

Black Orchid is one of the leading brands in the market with fans from megastars like Kate Moss and Beyonce to fashion bloggers Chiara Ferragni. With their innovative and fashion forward styles and great fits there is no surprise to see them at the top. We got in touch with designer Julien Jarmoune to see what is going on with the brand from how he came up with the name, his favorites to see in his jeans, what we can expect from the brand in the future and more. Check out what he had to say below.

DenimBlog: How did you come up with the name Black Orchid?

Black Orchid: Black Orchid is an exotic and intriguing flower that is a universal symbol of love and luxury. Specifically, it represents perfection and beauty – something that I pursue and expect in my designs. It’s my end goal to provide our girls a flawless luxury product that I love and believe in, hence the meaning behind our brand name.

DB: Who is the Black Orchid girl?

BO: She’s the modern girl that has the ability to take one of our designs and integrate it into her own sense of style with confidence. We have an edgy approach to your classic silhouette so she can’t be afraid to embrace it and just rock it.

DB: What is the concept behind Black Orchid?

BO: I’ve been in the denim industry since I was 18 years old, so with my knowledge and vision, I wanted to create a premium denim brand with not only the perfect fit, but with designs that represent myself as an individual and a designer.

DB: What was the inspiration for the new Fall ’15 season?

BO: Fall 2015 was all about taking risks and pushing the boundaries. This season, we launched the smartest denim on the market – Liquify. Its revolutionary Italian denim stretch technology instantly sculpts and contours to your body like no other. Using this state of the art fabric, we created a series of innovative and dynamic denim washes. Additionally, we offered a wide range of vegan leather pieces – from jackets to trousers to biker skinnies. I believe there are not many brands out there that offer fashion forward vegan leather styles so I wanted to provide that for the consumer that’s more “cruelty-free”.

DB: Black Orchid pushes the boundaries quite a bit each season. What were some of your favorite styles to have designed?

BO: One of my favorite styles I’ve designed is our skinny overall. Everyone generally associates a pair of overalls as this frumpy, oversized, 90’s style, but I wanted to modernize it by adding a sexier appeal to it. I made it skinnier and fitted to add a feminine look, and I minimized the size of the bib to show off the girl’s curves. Now when a girl slips on a pair of our skinny overalls, she feels sexy, chic, and effortlessly stylish. It’s a design I’m proud of and it continues to do so well for Black Orchid.

DB: Which style do you think every girl should have in their closet?

BO: Clean, medium-blue skinny, with a light fade and whisker details.

DB: Which is your personal favorite?

BO: A pair of classic blue skinnies with a soft, worn-in feel and a vintage, authentic wash. Or you can never go wrong with a jet black skinny.

BO: As many high’s as I’ve had since starting my brand and as surprising as this sounds, my favorite moment was during my “low” period. It’s a constant reminder to me that hard work pays off and that I’m blessed and grateful for everything that has happened since the beginning. It’s not easy and nothing is spoon fed to you, but with persistence and determination, you can make anything happen. In the end, all of it was and is worth it. Other favorite moments include receiving emails and phone calls from our customers all around the world to just let me know how happy they are with the product, how good it makes them feel, and how great they look in them.

DB: What can we expect in the future from Black Orchid?

BO: Innovative and intricate denim washes while constantly pursuing the best fabric possible. We currently have denim tops but we want to include additional tops and outerwear into our line, eventually turning Black Orchid into a lifestyle brand.

DB: I think I covered everything. Is there anything you’d like to add?

]]>Denim Interview: Ksubihttp://www.denimblog.com/2015/02/denim-interview-ksubi/
Wed, 18 Feb 2015 15:18:32 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=186444Since I heard about the Ksubi reboots, I couldn’t be more excited. I got in touch with the new team of one of the coolest brands to see what they are up to. Read how they are keeping Ksubi as one of the most in demand brands and why cool will always be part of […]

Since I heard about the Ksubi reboots, I couldn’t be more excited. I got in touch with the new team of one of the coolest brands to see what they are up to. Read how they are keeping Ksubi as one of the most in demand brands and why cool will always be part of their soul. See these answers and more below.

DenimBlog: What do you get inspired by?Ksubi: We are inspired by anyone who breaks down the door first. Because it’s hard to do. We have broken a lot of doors first. And you can count on ksubi breaking even more doors down. But we won’t announce it. Just like the DEA.

DB: What is your process before designing each piece?Ksubi: We design from the heart. We don’t over think it. We do what we like and it seems like a lot of people appreciate what we do.

DB: What is your favorite piece that you designed?Ksubi: Anything that is in out collection is bad ass. So – everything in our collection.

DB: How would you wear your favorite pieces? Ksubi: Customers interpret ksubi in their own personality. Wear it however you like. And that’s exactly why people appreciate us. That is why you can find a wide range of consumers that wear ksubi. From ages 16-60. Rockers, Rappers, Pop. We expect Taylor Swift will appreciate us as well. (A$AP to Foo Fighters to Norah Jones)

DB: With the move across seas to Venice, California, will that inspire the line?Ksubi: Denim was born in California and will always be the epicenter of denim world wide. From Dior to Australians. They all come to California. Because there is no place as cool as SoCcal/LA. They all migrate here – even Paris designers spend time in LA because it’s very cool people in SoCal.

DB: With many reboots, designers tend to change signatures and basically rebrand from the bottom up. I love that you kept the signatures of the brand, like the crosses and logo. Why did you chose to keep them opposed to just starting clean?Ksubi: The crosses came from the boys skating around cities and seeing the crosses painted on the ground by construction crews getting ready to break ground during construction. Ksubi always is breaking ground. No need to change our soul.

DB: Ksubi made such an impact and put skinny jeans on the map when it originally launched. How are you reinventing the style for the season?Ksubi: Don’t fix what ain’t broke. Ksubi invented skinny when no one was going there. We are just owning it more.

DB: Ksubi has always been one that is hard to find here in the states. What stores will be carrying the label?Ksubi: We are back with our original account base. We don’t subscribe to selling more doors. We believe in creating the demand and driving more business thru less doors. We are old school. Whether that’s right or wrong is hard to say. We just think it’s the right way. Our existing accounts love us for this. It’s unheard of these days. Everyone is so greedy. It’s why ksubi still has a very strong demand for the brand.

DB:What can we expect to see from the new Ksubi in the future?Ksubi: You can expect us to continue to be ksubi. Just being better at filling the demand.

DB: What are your favorite piece(s) of the season?Ksubi: “Black is what we wear on the outside because black is how we feel on the inside” – The Smiths (Unloveable)

DB: Can we expect new cuts in the future?Ksubi: We will introduce some new stuff but we are staying true to our core and giving the consumers what they are screaming for at the top of their lungs. Our stuff is timeless and season less. And it will still be cool 10 years from now no doubt about it. Nothing looks sexier on a man or a woman than skinny. I don’t turn my head and look at a woman wearing a baggy fit and think her ass and legs look sexy as hell. Same for a man (if you are a woman or a man looking at another man- same thing)

DB: Will there be an expansion of the use of different textiles, like leather?Ksubi: You can definitely expect better premium fabrics than what was used in the past.

DB: What pair do you think everyone should own for the new season (men and women)?Ksubi: Van Winkle and Chitch for men and Spray On and High & Wasted for woman. In jet black. Faded black. Holes and no holes.

Will there be exclusive collaborations that we can know about?Ksubi: Yes, No. Maybe. Just has to come from the right place.

DB: Lastly, how many jeans do you own?Ksubi: You can never own to many jeans.

]]>Denim Interview: Big Star Denimhttp://www.denimblog.com/2015/02/denim-interview-big-star-denim/
Tue, 17 Feb 2015 12:54:04 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=186488Spring collections have started to hit the market and we caught up with Big Star to see what inspired them this season. From the choice in prints to new cuts and fabrications, see how they came up with their new California inspired collection. DenimBlog: What was the inspiration for this Spring 2015? Big Star: The […]

Spring collections have started to hit the market and we caught up with Big Star to see what inspired them this season. From the choice in prints to new cuts and fabrications, see how they came up with their new California inspired collection.

DenimBlog: What was the inspiration for this Spring 2015?Big Star: The inspiration is free and easy, going back to Southern California in the 70’s for a laid-back coastal vibe. Vintage flashbacks of the boardwalk hippie and the city dweller permeate the wash collection, which ranges from naturally worn dark to distressed medium to sun bleached light. Our intent was to have these finishes exude the qualities of a spirited, adventurous, and youthful lifestyle.

DB: Big Star has usually stuck with more classic, clean styles, for the most part, in the past. This season, there is more variety of amazing distressed styles. How did these come about?BS: Natural washes are every closet’s bread and butter, but we think distressed pieces will be stealing some of the spotlight this year. It was also a very organic evolution for us, since our inspiration was taken from the golden years of southern California’s free spirited culture. Fall and holiday collections are always a bit cleaner, so this was our time to have some fun experimenting with texture.

DB: Prints also have a little moment for the new season in both the men’s and women’s collection. Why choose ones that are more monochromatic opposed to ones with contrasting colors?BS: We feel that men are still dipping their toes into the ÔÇÿprinted denim’ pool. For them, it’s easier to style a subtler print than something really bold. Brighter prints are also less consistent when translating an idea onto fabric. It looks great until production starts, then you realize it isn’t exactly what you wanted. We have high standards for all of our prints so if it doesn’t look perfect, we don’t sell it.

DB: Denim cutoff shorts for men is a style that continues to get more popular by the day and are perfect for Coachella, which is coming up. What was the design process behind these?BS: Denim shorts have never traditionally been a staple for menswear, but we’re out to change that! Denim shorts are important to have for spring and summer months and, being surrounded by beautiful weather in Los Angeles, it’s natural for us to incorporate shorts in our warmer collections. They’re made with the same processes as our denim, and we regard them in the same manner as our jeans. As in, have a staple wash or two, then experiment with fun washes and prints to follow your favorite seasonal trends.

DB: The Nirvana would have to be my favorite piece. What was the idea that helped inspire the piece?BS: The idea of ÔÇÿAthleisure’ seems like it’s here to stay, and the Nirvana is a big part of that for us. Comfort is becoming king in the denim industry, and with athletic wear becoming a major trend, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine the two. We travel a lot for work and we wanted to create a jogger style that you could wear to the airport or around town while still looking put-together.

DB: New fabrics were introduced this season, such as a 4-way stretch. How does this differ from previous styles from past seasons?BS: Yes, the 4-way stretch also touches on the idea that consumers shouldn’t have to compromise anything when it comes to comfort and denim. This fabric is used in our new Omni fit, which features a slimming front panel and contour waistband for an extremely flattering fit. You can wear these all day without it losing shape or sagging. It’s definitely a must-have for anyone!

DB: Not many people know, but Big Star is an Eco-Friendly brand. How are you guys able to keep with this concept, while still keeping the jeans at an affordable price point?BS: Yes, we are! Our production processes and manufacturing standards have always been the highest priority to us. Our advanced washing methods, ozone-friendly laser machines and eco stones (used in the washing process) all help us to keep our environmental impact at a minimum. Our manufacturer has been in the clothing production business for a long time, so we have the savvy to go above and beyond while not compromising the quantity of our production, which keeps prices down. We don’t cut corners for profit, and I think our customers really appreciate that.

DB: Lastly, what style(s) from the new season should both men and women have in their closets?BS: To us, spring is the time to experiment with trends. For women, we’ve had a lot of fun seeing how celebrities have styled our overalls. They’re fun without being fussy, and are a great break from your go-to shorts. Distressed denim is also more versatile than some people assume, and it’s something that transcends all seasons. Everyone should own a pair!

]]>Marc Allison Launches Gina Bootcut Jeans + Exclusive Interviewhttp://www.denimblog.com/2014/03/marc-allison-launches-gina-bootcut-jeans-exclusive-interview/
http://www.denimblog.com/2014/03/marc-allison-launches-gina-bootcut-jeans-exclusive-interview/#commentsWed, 19 Mar 2014 20:45:31 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=168300Marc Allison has just launched their brand new Gina fit, which is a slim bootcut that moulds to your shape. It’s made from a revolutionary fabric, infused with pima cotton, that emphasizes comfort and fit with a four way stretch denim. The Gina comes in new colours and washes too and has a flattering fit! […]

Marc Allison has just launched their brand new Gina fit, which is a slim bootcut that moulds to your shape. It’s made from a revolutionary fabric, infused with pima cotton, that emphasizes comfort and fit with a four way stretch denim. The Gina comes in new colours and washes too and has a flattering fit! So there should be a pair for everyone who loves a bootcut! The new shades include Charcoal, Army and Copper and will be joining the other popular washes of Night Blue, Dark Indigo, Olive, Brown, White and Black.

“We designed the new Marc Allison slim boot around this unique fabric we helped create and bring to life through the introduction of our jeans,” said Marc Flashberg, co-founder and principal of Marc Allison jeans. “It’s been a while since something really new and exciting has happened in premium denim – and after three years in development, we are thrilled to be the brand with the next generation in denim.” We caught up with Marc to find out more about the new Gina cut! Carry on reading below! You can shop the new collection online at their store too.

DB: Tell us about the new Gina bootcut jean!

We decided to do a modified boot cut. The premium customer was not happy with the wider bottom. We combined a skinny from the waist to the calf with a modified boot below the calf.

DB: What inspired you to design it?

Most of America is still enamored with the skinny. What we know about fashion is it always changes. We knew our customer was ready for a change, but nobody wants anything dramatic. Knowing our customers closet was inundated with skinnies, this is a great transition jean.

DB: What makes it different from other bootcut jeans on the market?

Our slim boot is more form fitting, and the leg opening is between a straight leg an a normal boot cut.

DB: Skinny jeans have been in their peek for a while now, are you hoping to bring bootcut back?

Not necessarily; it seems that the skinny jean has become a mainstay, at least for the time being. Our objective is to offer the same type of fit with a slight variation. In addition because of the smaller leg opening we’re offering our client two looks in one. Wear it in a boot to achieve the look of a skinny or with a shoe and have the look of a modified boot.

DB: What celebrity would you love to see in the new Gina?

I actually get more pleasure seeing someone in our jean while I’m out and about. And will be thrilled to see any celebrity enjoying our jean.

]]>http://www.denimblog.com/2014/03/marc-allison-launches-gina-bootcut-jeans-exclusive-interview/feed/1DenimBlog Exclusive: Interview with Daniella Clarke of Frankie B.http://www.denimblog.com/2014/02/denimblog-exclusive-interview-with-daniella-clarke-of-frankie-b/
Tue, 11 Feb 2014 23:59:25 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=166066We got the chance to catch up with the lovely Daniella Clarke of Frankie B. to find out what we can expect from her SS14 collection, details on her FW14 line and more about her inspiration, her fits and future possibilities! Check out the interview below! DB: Frankie B. is always so inventive, what fun […]

We got the chance to catch up with the lovely Daniella Clarke of Frankie B. to find out what we can expect from her SS14 collection, details on her FW14 line and more about her inspiration, her fits and future possibilities! Check out the interview below!

DB: Frankie B. is always so inventive, what fun styles can we expect for the new SS14 season?

The one style that I’m really excited about is a denim Bohemian Maxi Skirt. I also love all our striped skinny’s this season, especially the indigo ones.

DB: When did you know that the low-rise was the signature for Frankie B.?

It’s funny because I never thought of it that way at all. It really was as simple as I just couldn’t find low rise jeans back in the late 90’s, so I decided to make them. I never expected to be known for them.

DB: The Frankie B. aesthetic is very rocker. Does music play as an inspiration when designing?

Music has always been a big inspiration especially since it really is my lifestyle. I’ve been surrounded by musicians for most of my life and I guess their natural sense of style and complete disregard for conformity has influenced me heavily.

DB: Who would you say was the ultimate Frankie B. woman?

The ultimate Frankie B. woman is a confident woman that’s not afraid to have fun with her style.

DB: Frankie B. skinny jeans have an incredibly flattering fit, how did you get that perfected?

That’s our secret sauce. If I told you I would have to off you! Lol!! I’m a stickler for a great fitting butt. I try everything on and make sure it’s the most flattering fit before I approve anything.

DB: Is there any new direction you plan to take the brand in the future?

I would love to do a men’s line at some point.

DB: What has been the most popular style for you?

Our Jumpsuit was hugely popular! Jennifer Lopez wore it on the cover of one of her albums and it just went crazy.

]]>S.O.S Jeans by Orza Studiohttp://www.denimblog.com/2014/01/s-o-s-jeans-by-orza-studio/
Thu, 16 Jan 2014 18:00:14 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=164166There is another brand on the denim scene to watch, S.O.S. Jeans by Orza Studio. They are a denim brand with more than 30 years of experience in the jeans field and are a vintage company with their jeans 100% made in Italy. The company founder, Mr. Pasquale Orza, grew up in the area of […]

There is another brand on the denim scene to watch, S.O.S. Jeans by Orza Studio. They are a denim brand with more than 30 years of experience in the jeans field and are a vintage company with their jeans 100% made in Italy. The company founder, Mr. Pasquale Orza, grew up in the area of Hertfordshire, England, starting the company in London’s King’s Road, Chelsea. In 1978, following the success of the Lycra corset jeans, Pasquale Orza launched the first stretch denim jeans in the world with denim developed with Kaihara denim Japan. I was lucky enough to get the chance to chat to Mr. Orza about his brand and find out more! Check it out!

DB: Hi! Thank you for doing this interview with us, so tell us a bit more about your brand!
It’s my pleasure, in a nutshell I make S.O.S Jeans to help women face the days with confidence and style. We try to achieve this with feminine silhouettes and innovative cloth finishes and washing techniques. The brand stands for quality, style and innovation.

DB: When and why did you decide to start SOS Jeans by Orza Studio?
In 1978 I started working with Peter Golding consulting and launching other brands into the UK fashion market with great success. I realised there was a gap in the market for my vision of a real woman’s jeans label. So I took the opportunity to show the world what I thought women wanted.

DB: How did you come up with the name?
At the time I was seeing a gorgeous girl and with her name constantly in my mind I combined it with the name of my design studio. It’s a simple story, but true.

DB: What sets your jeans apart from the other denim brands on the market?
The main thing that sets us apart is that we first made and still make truly feminine jeans. It’s our sensibility to what women young and old want and need that sets us apart. We always have the women we sell to in mind when developing our new denims and fits making sure they are trendy and contemporary.

DB: What would you say your favourite jean is that you have designed?
Of all the jeans I have made over my 35 years in the business, my favourite is my original stretch jean which has truly lasted the test of time as we still make it today in our continuous packet, but you’ve asked me a really difficult thing as I love all of my creations as they all have something special. It’s as if they were my children.

DB: Where do you find your inspiration when designing?
I find inspiration everywhere. It’s a boring answer I know but no matter where I am, whether on the underground (subway), from a film, book, photo, piece of music or just from walking the streets of London, Milan, New York or Paris inspiration finds me.

DB: Why is denim so important to you?
That’s easy- It’s the most essential part of any woman’s wardrobe. Denim has become a part of women’s lives like no other garment, it’s worn when she wants a casual day with friends and with a simple change of style when she’s embarking on a new love chapter in her life, denim can help give her the confidence that only your favourite pair of jeans can give you. Denim is for life and when we say goodbye to our old faithful jeans it’s a sad moment.

DB: Do you have a background or a history with denim?
I started working for Alpargatas in South America when I was 20, at that time they were one of the three biggest producers of denim in the world, making both fabrics and finished garments. It was here that I learned about the denim process from the cotton plant to the rivets. Ever since then denim has been an addiction. I then moved to Hong Kong and Japan to further my denim education.

DB: What is your latest collection about? What are the styles you have to offer?
There are two aspects to the new collection. The first is the authentic vintage part which is the most fun to work on. I love the research involved, it’s always exciting to decide what I’m going to present and how. The other side of the collection is what I call the “technical revolution of denim”. This is the sci-fi inspired packet with futuristic styles based on re-visited 80’s and 90’s techniques. We have included high, mid and low waist styles in skinny, straight, boot cut and boyfriend fits.

DB: Lastly, add anything you want to that may have been left out!
I am proud to have been a founder of the jeans fashion revolution. In England I was one of the first to make jeans a fashion apart from anything else that was happening on the catwalks. The creation of stretch is still today the most potent factor for the growth of jeans in the female fashion market and I feel proud to have been its pioneer, in fact we created an industry within the fashion industry.

Today the big money and the rest of the industry have tried to takeover this fashion revolution. The reality is that Jeans in all its forms today are 70% of the whole world fashion business. The Big fashion houses have homed in on this market and are doing everything to appropriate it by constant copying of the few independent creators still left.

As long as a few independent labels still continue to exist there will be a premium jeans market that will still give us the space to create and develop new things.

]]>DenimBlog Exclusive: Poetic Justice Denim Interviewhttp://www.denimblog.com/2014/01/denimblog-exclusive-poetic-justice-denim-interview/
Wed, 15 Jan 2014 21:03:13 +0000http://www.denimblog.com/?p=164164Poetic Justice is a new denim brand which launched last month. They are made to flatter and accentuate a woman’s curves as well as having a great fit and cool washes. They come in skinny, cropped, boyfriend and boot cut, so there is something for everyone! Poetic Justice jeans are designed and tailor made in […]

Poetic Justice is a new denim brand which launched last month. They are made to flatter and accentuate a woman’s curves as well as having a great fit and cool washes. They come in skinny, cropped, boyfriend and boot cut, so there is something for everyone! Poetic Justice jeans are designed and tailor made in Los Angeles, California and each style from the brand goes through countless hours of fitting to ensure that they fit like a glove, while retaining their shape (and accentuating yours). The brand states that there are no other jeans on the market that fit women quite like Poetic Justice and they welcome you to put them to the test! One of the best things to point out is that their jeans start at $58! I caught up with them for a little interview, you can read it below.

DB: What inspired you to start your brand?

Poetic Justice was inspired by friends and family who had issues with finding jeans that fit great without compromising the obvious gaping issue in the back. I felt that that there was a need for denim that fits well ,embodied comfort, style, and most of all… fit girls that have a shape.

DB: Do you have a history with denim at all?

I’ve only been designing denim for a few years, however I have a long history with denim when it comes to being a consumer. As a consumer I found something that was missing in the market and it made it easier as a designer to create a solution.

DB: Why do you love jeans so much and why are they important to you?

I’ve had a love hate relationship with jeans for as long as I could remember. I love them because of the versatility, comfort and style but I could never find a jean that fit perfectly.

DB: What makes your brand different from the others out there?

I think what makes Poetic Justice unique is our ability to offer fashionable styles and quality fabrics at an affordable price. When designing for the line we consider the need of the customer and try to find a creative solution. Other denim companies are far removed from their costumers needs.

DB: Do you have a favorite jean you have designed?

I actually have a few that I’m crazy about. The Amie Gold Animal is fun for a girls night out, Dreya destroyed camo is versatile for any casual occasion, and the Tara lizard skinny is the perfect fit for a date night.